May 19, 2013

Licorice is a sweet flavored root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. This plant is found mainly southern Europe and in few parts of Asia. Uses of the licorice herb were made since the ancient times, there is proof of licorice water being used by Egyptians. Though there are many uses of licorice root, licorice candies are more popular than its health benefits! The sweetness of licorice candies is not artificial, it is due to a substance present in the root known as glycyrrhizic acid. This substance is said to be fifty times sweet than sugarcane!

Talking about the licorice benefits, it is mainly used for cough, constipation, chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice was used to treat ailments like tuberculosis and diabetes. This is because licorice contains flavonoids and glycyrrhizin which helps to breakdown cortisol produced by the body.

Not just the root but even licorice root tea has also has many health benefits. It is used for flavors and also for its medicinal qualities.

Benefits of Licorice Root Tea

The licorice root is dried and crushed into a powder to make tea. Some of the extracts of licorice do not contain glycyrrhizin, which is why they do not have any of the licorice root side effects. The following are some of the major health benefits.

Most of the stomach ailments like ulcers, nausea, heart burn, acid reflux can be treated by licorice tea. Licorice contains a herbal formula known as Iberogast; this formula helps to relieve the symptoms of GERD.

This tea is used to soothe sore throat and reduce cough. However, it should be given in right amount to avoid side effects.

Various skin disorders can be treated with this tea. It is also used to treat different kinds of boils.

One of the major health benefits of this tea, is that it can ease menopause symptoms. It increases the production of estrogen if it is too low and reduces it if the level is too high, that is why it is rightly called the wonder herb.

Some of the studies suggest that regular consumption of licorice tea can help to reduce weight. It also suppresses hunger as it is a natural diuretic which can reduce hunger.

Apart from these benefits, this tea is also used to cure headache, seasonal allergies, increase, libido, viral liver inflammation and excessive thirst.

Side Effects

If you are worried about the side effects, you need to know that side effects of licorice tea occur only when it is consumed in excess, on a regular basis. One should not consume this tea without prescription. Symptoms like headache, shortness of breath, upper abdominal pain, muscle pain etc. can occur due to excessive use of this tea. Pregnancy is another condition where the consumption of this particular tea should be avoided as it may cause fluid retention. People suffering from high blood pressure, fluid retention, cardiac insufficiency etc. should also avoid consumption.

Licorice Tea Recipe

Ingredients

6 - 7 pieces of dried licorice root

3 cups (850ml) of water

3 teaspoon of Ginseng Oolong Tea

Process

As stated before, preparing this tea is quite easy. All you need to do is, put the dried licorice root along with Ginseng Oolong tea in a teapot. Pour boiling water and let stand for about 5 minutes. Pour it into a cup and let cool slightly before serving. This contains low amount of caffeine and anti-oxidants. It also has a mild flavor.

As you have seen, licorice tea has many benefits, but only when consumed in adequate amounts. So, consult your doctor for the right amount, before enjoying its benefits.